Bikers die in high-speed crash

2004-02-01 21:17

Grahamstown - Two Port Elizabeth motorcyclists have died following a high-speed collision during an annual drag event hosted by a local motor-cycle club at the airfield near the military base in Grahamstown.

Inspector Mali Govender said the victims had been identified as Tarmac Teasers member, Glyndon Botha, 30, and Reon Barnard, a social rider in his mid 30's.

The event, organised by the Road Sultan's Club of Grahamstown for last Saturday, was the fourth of its kind held in the town in aid of charity and attracts motorcyclists from far and wide.

According to a witness, who preferred not to be named, the accident took place during a down period when speeds were not being recorded.

"A couple of motorcyclists were messing about on the runway doing wheelies and racing up and down the track in both directions where speeds estimated to be in the region of 180km/h are reached on their back wheels when the incident occurred," he said.

The witness said it appeared as though one of the motorcyclists did a U-turn on the run-way and was hit from behind by the second motorcyclist who was apparently travelling at high speed.

Flung from bikes

"Both motorcyclists were flung from their machines and appeared to have sustained critical injuries," he said.

He said he accident was unfortunate, but it could possibly have been "avoidable if there was proper marshalling and more control".

"The lack of protective clothing worn by motorcyclists at the event is also cause for concern and a minimum safety requirement in terms of this needs to be addressed for future events."

The organisers of the event could not be reached for comment.

According to Govender, the injured motorcyclists were rushed to Settlers hospital where they both reportedly died from multiple injuries.

"Our task in investigating the incident has been made more difficult by the fact that the organisers removed the motorcycles before police arrived.

"This made it tough for us to reconstruct the scene and carry out a thorough investigation. The matter will be taken up with the organisers," she said.

- SAPA